Orlando Antigua sits down with KSR ahead of Kentucky vs. Illinois

Remember Orlando Antigua? Kentucky‘s old friend with two separate coaching stints in Lexington — the first from 2009-14 and the second from 2021-24, both under John Calipari — is back on the Illinois bench after a previous run in Champaign from 2017–21. Both schools have been a massive part of his life for nearly two decades, and now, they’ll be facing off in the NCAA Tournament.

Now the associate head coach under Brad Underwood, Antigua caught up with KSR shortly after Illinois’ big win over Xavier to catch up on the Cats and his emotions going into the reunion on Sunday.

What are his thoughts on Mark Pope leading the program? How does he avoid distractions with a Sweet 16 on the line? Don’t forget his big-time recruiting win over Kentucky this past cycle, five-star wing Will Riley — he led the Illini with 22 points on 8-12 shooting on Friday. Antigua talked about that full-circle moment, as well.

It’s a must-see conversation that was admittedly a little awkward — everybody loves Coach O, but he’s an enemy on Sunday.

Take a look:

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